Feb. 18. The Arts & Science Council (ASC) has officially named Adam Santalla Pierce as president. He most recently served as interim president, following his role as vice president of community and artist support. He has been with ASC since 2017.

As vice president of community and artist support, Santalla Pierce led ASC’s grantmaking operations, board and staff management, community engagement, and strategic planning. His leadership helped secure $1.4 million from foundations and government entities to support ASC’s grantmaking, in addition to spearheading an unprecedented $3.2 million investment framework in the local creative class.

Santalla Pierce

He has also been a bridge between the arts community and key stakeholders, successfully advocating for increased funding in arts education and nonprofit development.

Background

Santalla Pierce was appointed interim president when ASC became a supporting organization of Foundation for the Carolinas. Formalized in September 2024, this partnership has already fueled significant investments in the creative community, helping create a sustainable and inclusive funding model for local arts and culture.

Since then, ASC has awarded its largest-ever class of Artist Support Grants – 97 grants totaling $279,000. Funded by Mecklenburg County, the North Carolina Arts Council and private contributions, these grants help emerging and established artists develop their craft, expand their businesses and reach new audiences.

Through its Culture Blocks program, ASC has invested $911,000 in community-based arts, science and history programming, including $350,000 for 29 artist-led projects that will bring vibrant cultural experiences to Mecklenburg County libraries, recreation centers and community spaces.